Fujifilm Fujinon WCL-X100 Wide Conversion Lens Review

Features and Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification



The Fujifilm WCL-X100 Wide Conversion Lens attaches to the Fujifilm X100 or X100s, to convert the 35mm equivalent to a 28mm wide-angle equivalent view. The WCL-X100 is available for £249 in Silver or Black.

Fujifilm WCL-X100 Features and Handling

The WCL-X100 is a premium wide-angle conversion lens designed specifically for the Fujifilm X100, and the follow up X100s. It attaches directly on to the camera, and multiplies the fixed focal length by 0.8x, converting it from 35mm (equivalent) to 28mm (equivalent). 

The lens body is made out of metal in Japan, with the lens sections made out of "supreme" quality glass, and is said to maintain the same optical quality as the original lens, even when shooting wide open at f/2, with the lens still able to deliver attractive bokeh. The lens uses four premium glass elements in three groups to keep aberrations to a minimum and also employs Fujinon’s unique Super EBC coating for outstanding results.

Key Features

• 0.8x magnification factor to convert X100 lens to 28mm wide angle (35mm equivalent)
• All glass optical construction using four elements in three groups
• Fujinon Super EBC coating
• Made in Japan for optimum quality
• 49mm filter thread
• Available in black and silver

The Fujifilm X100 and X100s both feature a 'Wide Conversion Lens' setting which applies image processing to reduce image distortion, ensure balanced illumination across the frame, and reduce chromatic aberration. (The Fujifilm X100 needs to be updated to firmware version 1.3.0 or later).

The wide-conversion lens does not cause any delay in focus speed, the 10cm macro focus distance still applies, and it is compatible with the hybrid viewfinder, with the optical viewfinder showing icons on the edge of the frame are shown (equivalent to 80% of the frame field of view), and when selecting the electronic viewfinder gives a 100% field of view. 

The WCL-X100 has been designed to match the X100, using the same material, textures and colours as the X100 (and is also available in black to match the limited edition black X100). The optional LH-X100 lens hood and PRF-49S protective filter can be used on the conversion lens. The clip on lens cap that comes with the WCL-X100 can be attached to the lens or the lens with filter attached. 

The addition of the WCL-X100 lens does not alter the operation of the camera. In order for the camera to record the correct lens information in the EXIF information there is an option to let the camera know the adapter is attached. With the lens attached there is now a larger area to hold onto the lens, great if you're a fan of holding the camera with two hands. The metal lens feels good in the hand, although does add to the weight and size of the camera, making it much more difficult to fit the camera in a pocket without first removing the lens. 

Switch the wide conversion lens option on and the frame markings for the OVF / electronic overlay change so that you can see how much is included in the shot. Alternatively you can use the electronic viewfinder for a true view through the lens. Using the lens does not affect focus speed or shutter response.

Fujifilm WCL-X100 Performance

Additional sample photos and product shots are available in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review, photos and product ratings.

Fujifilm WCL-X100 Wide Conversion Lens Sample Photos

Image quality when using the wide-angle convertor remains excellent, with good levels of detail even into the far corners. There does not appear to be any additional chromatic aberration or purple fringing introduced as a result of using the lens. No ghosting or additional flare appears to be visible, even when shooting into the sun, with the same level shown as when using just the camera's lens on its own. In the very far corners when shooting the sky there is a slight vignette visible, although this should be easy to correct in post-processing if required. 

Has a filter thread, while the X100 / X100s on its own does not without buying an adapter, so one benefit of the convertor lens is that it adds a filter thread.


Normal Panoramic | 1/240 sec | f/7.1 | 23.0 mm | ISO 200


Wide Panoramic | 1/240 sec | f/9.0 | 19.0 mm | ISO 200

Value For Money

The Fujifilm WCL-X100 wide conversion adapter is available for £249 which makes it good value for money and adds a 49mm filter to the camera. The adapter is a similar price to other dedicated conversion lenses and gives additional versatility to the Fujifilm X100/X100s.

Fujifilm WCL-X100 Verdict

The Fujifilm WCL-X100 wide-angle conversion lens gives a 28mm equivalent view while maintaining the high image quality that is expected with the X100 / X100s. The attachment also adds a 49mm filter thread, making the adapter a great choice if you wanted to add a filter without having to buy the adapter for the X100 on its own. Priced at a similar level to other conversion adapters, and delivering excellent image quality, the WCL-X100 is excellent value for money and gives added versatility to an already popular camera. 

	The Fujifilm WCL-X100 is an excellent add-on for the X100/s giving a wide-angle view and high image quality.

Fujifilm WCL-X100 Pros

28mm wide-angle view
Metal construction
High image quality
Filter thread

Fujifilm WCL-X100 Cons

Adds considerably to the size of the camera

FEATURES
HANDLING
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
VERDICT

Fujifilm WCL-X100 Wide Conversion Lens Specifications

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